More flights, more often

Not just better connectivity, many airlines are also promising increased frequency of flights in 2016, writes Ashwini Phadnis
It looks like domestic air travellers will be spoilt for choice in 2016. From the over six-decade-old Air India to the new kid on the block Vistara, all have plans to not only add more aircraft but also offer passengers increased frequency and connectivity. Also, a lot more in-flight entertainment choices are expected to come onboard this year.
Air India plans to induct over 30 aircraft into its fleet, a mix of narrow body aircraft and turboprops for the domestic market. Senior AI officials said the new inductions are meant to ensure that the carrier is able to enhance regional connectivity and improve the quality of in-flight experience for passengers.
The Maharaja, which started a three-times-a-week flight linking Mumbai with Surat and Gwalior, now plans to link Delhi with Gorakhpur with six flights a week from January 15.
Vistara has plans to add four more aircraft during 2016 which will allow it to fly to new destinations and also increase the frequency of its flights.  “This will allow us to enhance connectivity to destinations that are important for domestic as well as overseas travellers to India,” a Vistara spokesman toldBusinessLine. Vistara took to the skies on January 9, 2015.
Vistara is planning to give its customers a new flying experience. “By early next year, the entire Vistara fleet will incorporate the most advanced in-flight entertainment system of wireless streaming for highly engaging content across all cabins,” the spokesman said.
At the same time, premier class flyers can also look forward to a new experience on the ground. “We are also looking forward to the launch of Vistara’s very own signature lounge at T3 in Delhi,” the spokesman added.
SpiceJet, which got a new lease of life in January 2015 with Ajay Singh coming on board, also has plans of adding three-four aircraft during the year.
“We plan to go up to a narrow body fleet of 30-31 aircraft in 2016, up from 27 now. We will look to add flights to existing stations and offer a greater choice to passengers in 2016,” said Kiran  Koteshwar, the airline’s Chief Financial Officer. IndiGo, AirAsia India and Jet Airways did not respond to questions about their plans for 2016.
Changi is in the air
Flyers from Jaipur and Ahmedabad can look forward to an international shopping experience in 2016. This follows India entering into a government to government agreement for the operation and management of the two airports to be handed over to Changi, the Singapore-based airport operator. Changi is expected to come on board from April next year. Changi Airport is the world’s seventh-busiest airport for international traffic.  It served a record 54.1 million passengers in 2014. 
Delhi may get cheaper
Flying into and out of Delhi is also likely to become cheaper in 2016.
This follows the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) ordering a 93 per cent reduction in airport charges.
Source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com

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